In 2021 I read 28 books, and I listened to approximately 100 hours of podcasts
While it was incredibly challenging to narrow it down, here are my top 3 recommended books and podcasts to add to your learning list for 2022.
My Top 3 Book Recommendations
1/ The Secrets of Our Success: How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter
Joseph Heinrich unpacks the misconception that our success as a species lies in our innate intelligence (we’re actually not that much smarter than chimps it turns out).
Instead, he shows that it was instead the development of our collective brains through social interconnection.
Why read it:
It’ll reveal for you how culture has played a significant role in shaping your own life, how prestige and dominance hierarchies work and how to accelerate your own learning.
2/ Wanting, The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life
We all have desires and wants and these drive our life, and yet we rarely spend the time to consider where they come from.
In Wanting, Luke Burgis draws upon Rene Girard’s work in Mimetic Theory to show that we copy our desires from other people and how this leads to rivalry, competition and sameness.
Why read it:
It’ll help you get greater self awareness around where your desires are coming from, and through practical exercises, help you more intentionally choose them so you can live more authentically.
3/ Story Worthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling
We’re constantly telling stories and yet, we’re often very poor storytellers.
Matthew Dicks, an award-winning storyteller unpacks how great storytelling is really about a 5 second moment of change and finding this moment.
Why read it:
It’s by far the best education on story telling you’ll find. It’s packed with practical strategies and exercises (like Homework for Life) that you can use to generate story ideas, and craft your story.
My Top 3 Podcast Recommendations
1/ The Acquired Podcast
Everyone loves a good story, and the Acquired podcast taps into this by telling the stories of some of the world’s greatest companies.
My favourite episodes I listened to in 2021 include:
- Bitcoin Episode Season 8, Episode 1
- The NBA, Season 7, Episode 4
- Oprah, Harpo Studios, Season 6, Episode 8
Why Listen?
It’s a fast and fun way to learn more about how specific businesses and industries work + it will inspire you to think bigger! 👌
2/ The Game with Alex Hormozi
Interested in learning how to build and grow your business? Alex Hormozi, founder of Gym Launch shares no-BS strategies and advice.
My favourite episodes I listened to in 2021 include:
- Ep 263 The Sales Tactic that Added $35M in Sales
- Ep 348 Service-Based Business
- Ep 352 Finding the Constriction in Your Business Will Lead to Growth
Why Listen?
It’s content and models for building a business that people will charge crazy $$ to teach you, and he shares it with you for free. 🙌
3/ The Art of Manliness Podcast
Don’t let the name of this podcast put you off! The host Brett McKay with some incredibly thoughtful guests explores how to live a better life, covering social & professional skills, parenting, physical training, diet, spirituality and more.
My favourite episodes I listened to in 2021 include:
Why Listen?
If you’re interested in living a better life and are interested in the answers history and philosophy have, than this podcast is for you! 💪
What were your favourite books and podcasts from 2021?
I’d love to know so I can add them to my learning list for 2022. Let me know in the comments 👇
